Measles update for the Blacktown community
If you or your child have symptoms please call ahead before arriving at Kildare Road Medical Centre.
NSW Health has advised that there has been an increase in measles cases reported in Sydney. While measles remains uncommon in Australia due to routine childhood vaccination, cases can still occur, particularly among people who are not fully immunised or who have recently travelled overseas.
This update is intended to provide general information for the Blacktown community about measles, including symptoms to be aware of and when it may be appropriate to seek medical advice.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for some time after a person has left a room, making it easy to spread in household and community settings.
Because of its contagious nature, measles can spread quickly among people who are not immune.
Symptoms to be aware of
Measles symptoms usually develop around 7–14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
Fever
Runny nose or cough
Red, sore, or watery eyes
Feeling generally unwell or tired
A rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Symptoms may vary between individuals, and not everyone will experience them in the same way.
Who should seek medical advice?
Some people may be at higher risk of complications from measles and may benefit from early medical advice. This includes:
Babies and young children
Pregnant women
People who are not fully vaccinated
People with weakened immune systems
If you are unsure about your measles vaccination status, or whether you or your child may be at risk, a GP can review your history and provide individual advice.
What to do if you are unwell
If you or your child develop symptoms that could be measles, it is important not to attend a medical centre without calling first. Calling ahead allows staff to provide guidance and make arrangements that help reduce the risk of spreading infection to others.
You may also be advised to follow guidance from NSW Health regarding testing, isolation, or monitoring symptoms.
How a GP can help
A GP can support patients by:
Reviewing vaccination history, including MMR vaccination information
Providing personalised advice based on age, health status, and risk factors
Advising whether testing or further assessment is needed
Offering guidance on symptom management and isolation if required
GP advice is tailored to each individual situation and may differ depending on circumstances. See more details for GPs consulting at KRMC here.
If you have questions about measles, measles symptoms, or measles vaccination in Australia, consider speaking with your GP for advice relevant to your situation.
Last updated: 28 January 2026
For further general information, visit the NSW Health website.
